Game



Nov.- 23, 1948. M. R. ROBERTS GAME Filed June" 26, 1945 iNVENTOR.

%J%M4J A777'02NEV Patented Nov. 23,1948

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE This invention relates to a game adapted to be played by one or more players, and especially to a game that developes mental and physical coordination.

In order to accomplish this result, the invention provides for the moving of objects from specified places to other specified places by the aid of a miniature crane structure. It is one of the objects of this invention to provide a structure of this character that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and yet capable of requiring a high order of mental and physical coordination in order to operate the mechanism properly.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose there is shown a form in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. This form will now be described in detail, illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of this invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawing the single figure is a pictorial view of a game apparatus incorporating the invention.

The game apparatus is shown in this instance as made up of two units, each including a base I and 2 arranged end to end. Accordingly, two players can play the game simultaneously. However, by appropriate multiplication of apparatus, any number of players may be accommodated.

The object of the game is to transport one or more objects from one part of the base I or 2 to another part of the base I or 2. For example, objects in the form of blocks 3 may be originally placed upon designated areas 4 on the base I. Each of the objects 3 is provided with an eye, such as 5, by the aid of which it may be hoisted by a miniature crane structure. The base I may also be provided with marked areas 6 upon which the objects 3 are to be placed. The areas 4 and 6 are permanently marked, as by painting, or the like, upon the base I.

The base 2 likewise carries objects 3 with eyes 5 similarly capable of being transported to or from one set of areas 4 from or to another set of areas 6.

Associated with base I is the miniature crane structure 1. This crane structure I is provided with the carriages 8 and 9, having rollers or wheels l0. These rollers are intended to cooperate with the rails or tracks H and I2. The crane 3 Claims. (01. 46-40) 2 i structure is also provided with an overhead track structure l3 for the accommodation of a rolling carriage [4, upon which a drum I5 is appropriately supported. Around the drum is passed a hoisting cable or wire [6 provided with a hook I1 engageable in the eye 5.

The means for operating the crane structure I in order to move it along the rails II and I2,

as well as to move the carriage l4, and to operate the cable or cord IE, will now be described. For the sake of simplicity and to avoid counterweights or springs, the tracks I l and I2 are downwardly inclined toward the farther end l8 0f the base I, where the base I abuts a similar end of the base 2. By this means the force of gravity serves as a counterweight. A winch or drum mechanism I9 is accordingly provided, which, by the aid of the rope or cord 20, pulls the crane structure 1 up the inclined tracks; and, by releasing the tension on the string 20, the crane structure is allowed to move downwardly by gravity toward the end IS. The drum l9 may be provided with a manually manipulable crank 2|, for this purpose; and the cord 20 may 'be appropriately attached to the carriage 8.

Similarly, the overhead tracks l3 are inclined toward the right. Accordingly, the drum 22 must be operated to pull the carriage l4 toward the left; and it may be released to permit the carriage M to move toward the right by gravity. This Winch or drum 22 is appropriately supported on the left hand uprights of the crane structure I.

At the opposite side of the frame, another winch or drum 23 is provided, operating the hoisting cord [6 that passes over the drum l5.

Rapid coordination must be exercised in operating the three drums or winches I9, 22, and 23 so as to cause engagement of the hook I! in the eye 5, and to cause the crane structure I to move in position for depositing the object 3 on the desired area 4 or 6.

In order further to render it dificult to transport the objects 3 from one locality to another, one or more barriers 24 and 25 may be interposed in the path of movement of the objects 3. These barriers may be appropriately supported on the base I and are each provided with a slot or opening 26 or 21 in its upper edge. These slotsor openings are large enough to pass the objects 3. The dimensions of the barriers 24 and 25 are such that the crane structure I can pass over them. The slots or openings 26 and 21 are ofiset, making it necessary accurately to operate the carriage H for appropriate passage of the objects through the labyrinthine passageways provided by the structure.

The crane structure 28 mounted on the base 2 may be entirely similar to that described in connection with crane structure 1. Here, also, barriers 29 and 30 may be appropriately placed to provide a labyrinthine passage for the objects 3. The rails or tracks 3| and 32 slope downwardly toward the end It.

In utilizing the game apparatus, all of the blocks or-objects 3 are placed upon one or the other set of areas 4 or 6; and the players then proceed, as rapidly as possible, to transfer these objects by the aid of the crane structure to the unoccupied spaces 4 or 6. The one who properly first completes this transfer of all-o1 the, objects is the winner. Since there are three drums to operate, the proper and effective sequence of operation presents a challenge to the skill of the player.

The-inventor'olaims:

1.-In game apparatus: a base; a travelling crane thereon; a hoist supported'on 'the crane; manual means for moving the crane with respect to :the base; manual means for moving the hoist with respect to the crane; :manua1 means for operating the hoist; and one or more barriers located at an intermediate partof the'base, each barrier having .a slot in its upper edge, each of said barriers having an upperedge which, except for :the slot, prevents passage-of the hoist when loaded.

2. In game apparatus: a base; a crane movable With respect to the base; manual means for moving said crane; said crane having an overhead track transverse to the base and inclined to the horizontal; a hoist rollable on the track; and manual means for rolling the hoist upwardly of the track against gravity.

3. In game apparatus: a base having inclined tracks; a crane rollable on said tracks by gravity; a manually operated device for rolling the crane upwardlyof the tracks againstgravity; said crane having an overhead track transverse to the base and inclined to the horizontal; a hoist rollable on the track; and manual means for rolling the hoist upwardly of the transverse track against gravity.

MELVIN R. ROBERTS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the rfile :of this :patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date France Mar. 12, 1934 Number Number 

